Favorite Schools

Favorite Teams

Authorities arrest dozens, struggle to control crowds in Cortland following football game

CortacaA.JPG

A large crowd gathers on Clayton Avenue in Cortland during "Cortaca" celebrations Saturday afternoon. Cortland police said dozens were arrested as crowds swelled into the hundreds.
(Photo by Rachel Moriarty)

Large crowds popped up in several areas, especially on Clayton Avenue. Catalano said the crowd got so big that officers had to stop arresting people and focus on controlling the crowd and restoring order.

Several injuries were reported, but specifics were not immediately available.

Cortland police brought in extra manpower from several nearby police agencies, including the New York State Police. A command post was also set up at the city fire department.

The crowds eventually began to die down, Catalano said. Police typically make many arrests following the Cortaca Jug game each year, he said.

Dozens of streets were littered with plastic cups, beer cans and other debris. Scores of people spilled into the streets.

But by early evening Saturday the large police presence was focused on monitoring the situation and keeping the peace.

The Cortaca Jug game is part of a longstanding football rivalry between SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College. Cortland won this year's game by four points. The game was held Saturday in Ithaca.